“The three guys we chose to surround Cole with and round out the leadership core all have elements that we like,” David said. “They have the elements of bravery, experience in the league, and an opposite personality trait [to Cole] that will create a great mix of leaders, and serve us well.”

“We were looking for guys who can get our message across, as anyone would ask for in a leadership group, but people that can also stand up for themselves and not be pushovers on the ice, or off the ice.”

Primeau, who was acquired by the Lincoln Stars in the preseason, has excelled with the Fighting Saints since joining the team. The second-year USHLer is the son of Keith Primeau, a former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, and he followed in those leadership footsteps as the captain of Bishop Eustace Prep in New Jersey during the 2014–2015 season.

“Primeau has exhibited a competitiveness that we covet here. We couldn’t have been more happy to acquire his rights,” David said. “The minute he stepped into our locker room you could tell he was coachable. You could tell he wanted to make the most of this season, and that he had great leadership qualities.”

Bushy is in his second season as a member of the Fighting Saints, as he played in 58 games during the regular season, and all eight games during the Clark Cup playoff run. Defensively responsible, he finished last season as a plus-9.

“Bushy is a returner that, from the minute we started through the first weekend of play, has demonstrated a consistency on the ice, in the weight room, and around the team,” David said. “Brendan is very coachable, and he has a desire to be a part of the leadership group and he earned the privilege to be a part of it.”

Maniscalco, who joins the Fighting Saints from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, was the Saints’ first selection in Phase II of the 2017 USHL Draft. He also saw time with a premier prep school at Shattuck St. Mary’s during the 2014–15 season.

“Maniscalco brings an element, like Cole, like Bushy, like Primeau, he’s a likable guy, has a bravery quality about him, and has quality of bringing guys along to the right side,” David said. “He’s able to rally guys and include everybody in team events away from the rink. He can stand up for himself, too.”

Maniscalco, Bushy and Primeau will all don the A on their sweaters immediately, beginning with Friday’s matchup with the Waterloo Black Hawks on home ice.

“I’m real happy that our General Manager, Kalle Larsson, was able to get guys like this into Dubuque, and we expect a lot out of these guys,” David concluded. “With them and the rest of the guys, we really want to develop leadership qualities and performance as well.”